This new Turkish armored vehicle was revealed on IDEF 2013. Tulpar was designed by the same team that developed Altay. After a 3-year design and development stage, Tulpar was finally unveiled to the public in 2013 at the IDEF international defense fair in Istanbul. Even though the TSK has not formally posted an immediate requirement for a new infantry fighting vehicle, Otokar has started the development of Tulpar along with the Altay.

Tulpar was designed for the dual role of providing fire support to friendly main battle tanks and safely transporting troops in a high-threat environment. Resistance against IEDs, small mines and high ballistic protection for its habitants were among the high priority design criteria. Tulpar is also fully networkable with the Altay MBT and other units.

The Tulpar has modular armor. Weight of this IFV may be 25, 35 and 40 t, depending on protection level. The basic composite armor of the Tulpar provides all-around ballistic protection against 14.5mm projectiles while parts with high-probability of attack provide additional protection against up to 25mm armor piercing rounds.

Modular design allows the maintenance center to quickly swap any damaged armor panels and also makes the IFV easily upgradable for added protection against higher caliber projectiles. Export customers of Tulpar can decide on what level of protection is desired based on their specific threat environment, terrain and IFV configuration.

It seems that this vehicle survives 10 kg TNT blasts anywhere under the hull. Tuplar with maximum add-on armor can be considered as a heavy IFV. With additional armor modules it is as heavy as the famous T-72 main battle tank. Vehicle is also fitted with NBC protection and fire suppression systems.

Otokar plans to install a hard kill system on the future variants of Tulpar.

Armament

Tulpar is fitted with the MIZRAK turret system armed with a 30mm dual-fed automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. Also this turret can be fitted with L-UMTAS long-range anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles have laser guidance.

Tulpar's crew enjoy full 360-degree day/night situational awareness thanks to an array of electro-optic sensors located on the MIZRAK turret.

Mobility

It is claimed that two different engines are available on this armored vehicle. Engine compartment is located at the front.

Tulpar is powered by a 810 hp, 15.7-liter, water-cooled V8 diesel engine that is turbo charged and drives a 32-speed automatic transmission. Suspension comes standard with a hydraulic damper and can carry up to 45 tons on the hull. Tulpar's maximum speed is 70 km/h and economic range is 600 km.